for example, the european union is looking to current u.s. law as a model for its own accessibility initiatives. in january 2011, the vice president talked about european accessibility act, citing progress made in the united states under the provisions of the americans with disabilities act of 1990, which i was proud to support. they believe that the eu should learn from this experience and go ahead in europe to do the same. the convention supporters also erroneously contend that the united states ratification would result in benefits for americans with disabilities who choose to live or travel or work abroad. they assert that it will allow the united states to have influence over disability rights, in such areas as employment or accessibility among other states that are part of the crpd. to be sure, americans with disabilities face erie's challenge is when they travel abroad, precisely because those nations laws are not as supportive as those in the united states. the man i spoke of just a moment ago. but it is the example that we have set f